Hi everyone!
A few hours ago I bought my very first server to get started with homelabbing: a Lenovo ThinkCentre M700. I’d love to get your thoughts and recommendations on which OS to install and what other cool services I can run on it.
Hardware Specs:
- System: Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny
- CPU: Intel Core i5-6500T (4 cores / 4 threads, 2.5 GHz base / 3.1 GHz boost)
- Power Consumption: 35W TDP (~7W-10W at idle)
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 (planning to upgrade to 16 GB in the future)
Main Question: Which OS should I choose? I'm not sure which operating system to install as a base. Right now I have Proxmox or ZimaOS in mind, but I'm completely open to recommendations on what makes the most sense for these specs and my planned apps.
Planned Applications & Services:
- Docker: To run and manage my containers.
- Cloud / File Manager: For personal cloud storage.
- Password Manager: Vaultwarden.
- Photo Gallery: Immich.
- Automation: n8n.
- Adblocker / DNS: Pi-hole.
- OmniRoute: Still up in the air, not sure if I'll end up running it.
- Plus a few other things I discover along the way.
What I'm looking for:
- OS Recommendations: Given these specs (8 GB RAM now, 16 GB later) and the apps I want to use, which OS would you recommend? Should I go with Proxmox, ZimaOS, or something else entirely?
- App & Use Case Ideas: Based on my list (cloud, n8n automations, self-hosted photos, etc.), what other must-have services or cool use cases would you recommend for this machine?
Source: r/homelab · by /u/Jotasssss